The Last Witch in Edinburgh
By: Marielle Thompson

Publication Date: Aug. 20, 2024

In Edinburgh in the 1800s women are being accused as witches and being hanged. Nellie is young, motherless, and just trying to keep her head down while she takes care of her drunk father and younger brother. After losing her job, she has a run in with the Rae women of the ladies Apothecary and learns about the winter deity, the Cailleach. The Cailleach calls upon her followers to help usher in the winter season by being an independent woman, unruled by men, who knows her worth, and takes up space in the world– in short, she learns what it is to be a witch.

But, it is never easy for women- and anti-women sentiment rises and so too does the confines of patriarchy, as an ancient summer deity- hellbent on bringing about the destruction of women and their independence- begins to stir. Forcing Nell out of the city, and away from those she loves, this deity keeps her on the run for centuries. While blessed with a long life, she again finds herself back in Edinburgh in modern day- where it feels as if patriarchy is once again stirring and threatening the independence that has been fought for. Will she run or will she stay and fight?

I must confess this was a fun read- I loved the parallel between women historically being hunted as witches and what is happening now with the attack on women's rights. Both are and were just means to control women. I also enjoyed the openness of this book- with its LGBTQ love story and acceptance of all types of people being “witches”- as it is a state of mind. This definitely feels like one of those authors that you read and then want to read all their other books! SO definitely be on the look out for this one when it is available!!!

The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson is a harrowing tale of fear, survival, and women's rights. Set in Edinburgh in 1892, we get a peek into the dangerous lives of women as an evil force convinces mankind that all women are witches. In reality, there are only a few, but they are strong and resilient. They are the women of Cailleach, the winter deity, and as they aid her, they gain lifesaving powers.
Nellie and Jean Rae, with the support of Cailleach, face down the evil that seeps through Edinburgh in a centuries long battle.
I felt all the emotions with this book. Although it is a fantasy novel, it is based on truth and lore. For centuries, women all over the world had to fight accusations of witchcraft or cultural equivalents. I love books that fight or at least document this history and portray women heroins. I definitely shed tears for this gripping story.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for early access to read The Last Witch in Edinburgh in exchange for an honest review.

This incredible story takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland in the year 1824, where every woman lives in fear of being the next witch to be hung. This story takes you through the eyes of Nellie Duncan as she encounters the Rae Women's Apothecary, looking to find more about herself as well as her past. This book breaks your heart and heals it at the same time.

It is a hard time for women in Edinburgh in 1824 where they are accused of witchcraft for no apparent reason, however Nellie Duncan wants to be one of them and at Rae Women's Apothecary she finds her chance.
From Nellie's hand we will discover her fears and hopes, we will also learn about the mythology of the Cailleach. It is a character with whom I found it difficult to empathize because I found her thoughts repetitive and sometimes boring and she does not evolve too much over time.
It is not a bad novel and it has entertaining aspects, surely I was not the target audience, but I missed something that made it stand out.

Super unique story combining real historical events with a magical fantasy twist. The core theme here is the trials and tribulations of living in a patriarchal society and how that has been persistent over centuries specifically taking place in Edinburgh for the majority of the book. I love historical fiction and fantasy so this was up my alley.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy.

The description of the book is really good, very well written but I don't feel I read a book as good as that description. And the cover... Most women spent their time cowering and trying not to be noticed vs. that powerful looking woman on the cover. The Last Witch in Edinburgh <spoiler> ran and hid for 180 years. #reasons but the cover doesn't properly represent the story inside. </spoiler>

Things I liked... I burned through much of the first half of the book with only some issues (sorrow for the child who watched his mother hang, ache for the brother abandoned, annoyance by the instalove with someone who was a bitch). The first part of the book showed us old Edinburgh and taught us the lore and of the women who became witches by honoring the goddess Cailleach. We spent a lot of time in an apothecary as the first part of the story was told.

Things I didn't like... For one thing, the time jump. Any fans of Survivor? Jeff Probst is out in Fiji and walks from a jungle to a stage in Hollywood in a matter of moments? That was what it was like as our character advanced 180 years. For all those extra years you'd think we see her wiser. We'd see a stronger witch but no she was <spoiler> the witch that ran and hid for 180 years and not much else. Oh, she upped her "tea" skills. </spoiler> I skimmed much of the last third of the book as we re-encountered the "evil" character which was a deity keeping women down (patriarchy).

If anyone can tell me if <spoiler> the necklace was returned and if the recipient explained why it was lost in the first place and why our MC didn't return it right away, I'd appreciate it. </spoiler> I didn't come by that with all my skimming to the end.
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I received a copy via NetGalley therefore I feel bad leaving this less than favorable review but I appreciate being given a copy to offer my opinion.

First half was 4*, second half 1.5*. Marking it as 3*.

Men are accusing women of witch craft in Edinburgh during the late 1800's. If that's not enough for Nellie, age 22, to worry about, her dad could lose his job again due to being too drunk to go to work. Nellie is always worried about getting her 10 year old brother enough for to eat. Her dad works at a graveyard to prevent people from stealing bodies and Nellie goes to work for her dad one night. There, she witnesses a woman crawl out of her grave even though Nellie saw her hung for witchcraft. That's how she meets the owners of an apothecary and begins her own journey toward believing in herself and becoming a witch herself.

I wanted to like this so badly but the politics were constantly shoved down your throat. The witch part is great but pushing your political beliefs every other page is not.

This book cast a spell over me that I couldn't deny! I was so enthralled I read it in one setting. everything about it pulled me in and kept me intrigued as to what was going to happen next. Would Nellie Duncan survive? Would she avoid the hangman's noose and be able to truly live a free and independent life she wanted? Pick up The Last Witch in Edinburgh to find out.

Wow!! This book is well written and really addresses issues women face with misogyny. It’s a feminist story blended with witchyness, female empowerment, and fantasy. I really enjoyed this book!

LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! 5 star reading from me. Lovely plot and storyline. The characters are fantastic.

Oh wow! Immersed in the gripping narrative, I found myself irresistibly drawn into the intricate tapestry of this story. My long-held fascination with witch trials was reignited as the author masterfully wove together historical accuracy with vivid imagery, offering a fresh lens through which to view this tumultuous era. Through the author's skillful prose, the silence of centuries was shattered, revealing a saga of defiance and resilience spanning generations.

As the story unfolded, I embarked on a profound journey alongside the women who dared to defy the oppressive forces of their time. From the suffocating grasp of the witch trials to the modern battlegrounds of reproductive rights, the narrative traced a poignant trajectory of struggle and triumph. It was a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the unyielding power of solidarity in the face of injustice.

What truly resonated with me was the portrayal of the female protagonists as exemplars of fortitude and agency. Their unwavering resolve to challenge societal norms and reclaim their voices was both inspiring and empowering. Moreover, the inclusion of a bi-sapphic love story added a layer of complexity and authenticity to the narrative, showcasing love as a defiant force against oppression.

Throughout the pages, I was swept away by a myriad of emotions – laughter, tears, and righteous indignation. The author's ability to evoke such visceral responses speaks volumes about the depth of their storytelling prowess. Each theme, from love and loss to grief and perseverance, was masterfully interwoven, creating a tapestry of human experience that felt raw and authentic.

One of the most poignant aspects of the story was the subtle shift in societal perceptions, as the narrative challenged the notion that only women could be agents of change. By acknowledging the role of male allies in the fight for equality, the story underscored the importance of collective action in dismantling patriarchal structures.

This book was nothing short of a literary masterpiece. Its rich tapestry of themes and characters left an indelible mark on my psyche, compelling me to reflect on the injustices of the past and the ongoing struggle for equality. It is a story that demands to be heard, cherished, and revisited time and time again. Hence, I eagerly anticipate delving back into its pages, and I have already secured a physical copy to ensure its permanent place on my bookshelf.